• Exeter Chiefs 31-14 Clermont Auvergne
• Thomas Waldroms two tries waste final season’s runners-upThe leaders of France’s Top 14 arrived in subdued mood. When they play at home at the Stade Marcel Michelin in Clermont-Ferrand they start with a charge and then grow more ferocious. At Sandy Park the roar of the M5 was whipped away on a fierce wind or drowned by the crowd in full voice and Clermont then had to face Exeter in top form. Devon was a tiny too much for them.
Not that Exeter were unstoppable at first. They were too busy reshuffling their formations after Sam Hill felt his hamstring in the warmup. Jack Nowell moved into the centre and Olly Woodburn came off the bench to the wing,giving the home team a couple of shaven-headed outriders – James Short being the other wing. Related: England offer Saracens’ Paul Gustard assistant coach role, club confirm Continue reading...
Source: theguardian.com